Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged that indigenous communities in Abuja will soon receive Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) for their ancestral lands, promising to address long-standing concerns over land ownership in the nation’s capital.
Wike made the commitment on Wednesday during a thank-you visit to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) following the recent area council elections.
The minister used the occasion to express appreciation to residents for their support while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to grassroots development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Earlier, traditional leaders led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, had commended the minister for ongoing development projects across the FCT while urging the government to address lingering issues surrounding land allocations and the protection of indigenous settlements.
Responding, Wike assured the communities that their lands would be protected and formal ownership documents issued.
Addressing a large gathering that included stakeholders, youth groups, traditional rulers and political leaders, the minister said President Tinubu had directed him to engage directly with residents and restore public confidence in governance.
“I remember vividly when I came for the town hall meeting at a time insecurity was high and people had lost hope. I told you then that Mr. President asked me to come and interact with you and assure you that hope will return. Today, we are seeing that hope restored,” Wike said.
He recalled that during an earlier town hall engagement with residents, each area council was asked to nominate projects for completion within the first six months of the administration.
According to him, AMAC nominated the Saburi Road project, which has since been completed and commissioned.
“You asked for Saburi Road. To the glory of God, that road has been commissioned. Relationship must not be one-sided. You do for me, I do for you. When you fulfil your part, government must fulfil its own,” he said.
Wike emphasized that the Tinubu administration would ensure that the FCT minister remains closely connected with communities rather than governing from a distance.
“The President does not want a Minister of FCT who will sit in the office without knowing what the people of Ketti want, what the people of Kabusa want, what the people of Wasa or Saburi want. Governance must be about direct engagement,” he declared.
The minister also warned residents against politicians who only engage with communities during election periods.
“Never again should politicians deceive you. Some people never visited certain communities while in office, but suddenly become emergency corn eaters when they need votes. We must distinguish between those who are sincere and those who are not,” Wike said.
Wike assured traditional rulers that the administration was committed to resolving land disputes and ensuring that indigenous residents are not unfairly displaced.
He reiterated his determination to fulfil the mandate given to him by President Tinubu and promised continued collaboration with community leaders to sustain development across AMAC and the entire FCT.
In his remarks, the Chairman of AMAC, Christopher Maikalangu, thanked the minister for his visible support before and during the elections, describing his involvement as instrumental to the council’s victory.
Similarly, the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, praised the minister for what he described as noticeable development across the Federal Capital Territory.
